Power System Protection Engineer (EN-EL-MO-2025-270-LD)

Company Description

At CERN, the European Organisation for Nuclear Research, physicists and engineers are probing the fundamental structure of the universe. Using the world's largest and most complex scientific instruments, they study the basic constituents of matter - fundamental particles that are made to collide together at close to the speed of light. The process gives physicists clues about how particles interact, and provides insights into the fundamental laws of nature. 

Job Description

Introduction

As a Power System Protection Engineer, you will be responsible for managing the entire lifecycle of protection relays within CERN’s electrical transmission and distribution network, from design and procurement to commissioning and maintenance. 

You will join the Maintenance and Operation (MO) section of the Electrical Engineering (EL) group in the Engineering (EN) department, which is responsible for the operation and maintenance of CERN’s electrical network, the commissioning of new installations, and the execution of small-scale electrical works. 

Apply your expertise to support the operation, maintenance, consolidation, and development of CERN’s electrical transmission and distribution systems, the backbone of one of the world’s largest and most powerful particle colliders. Join the CERN electrical engineering team. Take part! 

Functions

• Update and maintain the whole protection plan for the CERN transmission and distribution network.
• Lead the tendering process for the implementation of the protection plan, in particular the purchase of protection relays, drawing up technical specifications and all tendering documents; manage the related contract(s).
• Prepare technical notes and engineering specifications, and report on the advancement of activities or projects.
• Program and test protection relay configurations (logics).
• Assist the design office in preparing installation plans and calculating protection settings through fault simulations in the network model.
• Lead the commissioning of protection relays on site (functional testing, current injections, troubleshooting) by preparing dedicated procedures and supervising commissioning operator(s).
• Elaborate a comprehensive preventive and corrective maintenance plan, including spare parts management, and lead its implementation.
• Define the methodology to integrate the protection relays and the associated maintenance activities in the CERN Computerized Maintenance Management System. 
• Manage and deliver specific refurbishment projects for the replacement of obsolete protection relays. 
• Be part of the standby team, in charge of corrective interventions when faults occur. 

Qualifications

Master's degree or equivalent relevant experience in the field of Electrical Engineering or a related field.

Experience:

• Very good knowledge of modern equipment associated with complex high voltage electrical networks (400 kV, 66 kV, 18 kV).
• Proven experience in the field of protection relays, in particular commissioning and maintenance.
• Proven experience in fault simulations and settings calculations.
• Proven experience in post-mortem fault analysis.
• Experience using a Computerised Maintenance Management System (CMMS).
• Extensive knowledge of power systems, such as sequence components, symmetrical and asymmetrical faults, and power flow analysis.
• Proven experience in the operation and maintenance of a high-voltage electrical system, including troubleshooting and repairs.

Technical competencies:

• Construction, test and commissioning of electrical circuits and networks;
• Design and modelling of high-voltage electrical circuits and networks;
• Operation and maintenance of electrical circuits and networks;

Behavioural competencies:

• Achieving Results: driving work / projects along and seeing them through to their conclusion.
• Demonstrating Accountability: taking responsibility for own actions and decisions.
• Demonstrating Flexibility: demonstrating a willingness to accept changing circumstances; supporting initiatives for change.
• Working in Teams: building and maintaining constructive and effective work relationships.

Language skills:

Spoken and written English, with a commitment to learn French.

Additional Information

Eligibility and closing date:

Diversity has been an integral part of CERN's mission since its foundation and is an established value of the Organisation. Employing a diverse workforce is central to our success. We welcome applications from all Member States and Associate Member States.

This vacancy will be filled as soon as possible, and applications should normally reach us no later than 14.01.20265 at 23:59 CET.

Employment Conditions

Contract type: Limited duration contract (5 years). Subject to certain conditions, holders of limited-duration contracts may apply for an indefinite position.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week

Job Flexibility: Fully Onsite

This position involves:

• Participation in a regular stand-by duty, including nights, Sundays and official holidays.
• Work in Radiation Areas.
• Interventions in underground installations.
• A valid driving licence.
• Work during nights, Sundays and official holidays, when required by the needs of the Organisation.
• Exposure to electromagnetic fields under certain exposure conditions.
• Given the occupational health risks associated with this position, the selected candidate must obtain medical clearance before a contract offer is confirmed.

Job grade: 6-7

Job reference: EN-EL-MO-2025-270-LD

Field of work: Electrical or Electronics Engineering

Benchmark Job Title: Electrical Engineer

Global Benefits

• A competitive salary (tax free), increasing in line with your years of relevant experience.
• 30 days of paid leave per year plus 2 weeks annual closure.
• Coverage by CERN’s comprehensive health insurance scheme (for yourself, your spouse and children), and membership of the CERN Pension Fund.
• Family, child and infant monthly allowances depending on your individual circumstances.
• A relocation package (installation grant, removal, travel expenses) depending on your individual circumstances.
• Possibility to extend your contract up to 8 years + eligibility for indefinite contract tenure.

Overview of CERN - Discover a world where the impossible is made possible!

At CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, we are pushing the frontiers of science and technology. Our groundbreaking work brings together not only physicists but also a diverse range of professionals from engineering, technical, scientific, and administrative fields. Together, we foster an environment where innovation and collaboration thrive.

Every day, we face exciting new challenges and opportunities to contribute to cutting-edge research that shapes our understanding of the universe. We meet these challenges through the diverse perspectives within our teams, ensuring every contribution is valued and driving our shared sense of inclusion and purpose. Diversity is a core value of CERN since its foundation, and it remains central to our mission and continued success.

If you are ready to be part of a dynamic, inclusive community pushing the boundaries of knowledge, CERN is the place where your curiosity and skills can thrive. Be part of our mission to uncover what lies at the heart of the universe! TAKE PART!

More information about us, here: careers.cern

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